Trade deadline talks should focus on pitching, then pitching

If another team comes knocking at Ed Wade’s door looking for pitching to help bolster its 2011 season, Wade should reciprocate the inquiry with a request for pitching for 2013-15.

In other words, Houston should be seeking pitching help in any trade between now and the trade deadline next month.

If not the sole focus, starting pitching — in fact, any pitching — should be the main focus.

Yes, a major league ready third baseman would be cool or another Mark Melancon could help solidify the bullpen, but if either Wandy Rodriguez or Brett Myers are gone by the deadline, it will leave a gaping hole in a rotation that has seen a few cracks its in foundation this season.

The other major trade prospect is a player that the Astros have given up on before: Jeff Keppinger. Some teams are appear interested in the versatile second baseman, but with the stability he provides at an oft-unpredictable position, the offer should be substantial if he is traded.

But back to the pitching. Obviously, Aneury Rodriguez might get another shot in the rotation, but after that, there are no Jordan Lyles clones awaiting an immediate promotion. A hole in the rotation now would likely be filled by a Sergio Perez or, ahem, Nelson Figueroa. You may suggest Douglas Arguello or Henry Villar, but both have been pitching in relief over the most recent weeks.

Perez, who was drafted in the second round in 2006, is 7-9, 4.24 in 28 games at AAA since the middle of last season. He’s not overpowering: In six minor league seasons, he’s struck out 307 and walked 197.

Dallas Keuchel, a seventh rounder in 2009, may be on the fast track, but reasonably, he could be a late 2011 addition or more likely 2012, even if he ends this season in Oklahoma City. His low K/9 (6.3 in the minors) is not eye-catching, but like Lyles, he keeps damage minimal by limiting walks (1.9/9), resulting in a 3.41/1 K/BB ratio while pitching at Tri-City, Lancaster and Corpus Christi.

Even if Keuchel were to join the rotation with Lyles, Bud Norris and J.A. Happ next season, the Astros may still need another starter if both Myers and Wandy are traded, which is unlikely.

By the end of next season, here’s my projection for the Astros’ rotation: Not necessarily in any specific order, Happ, Norris, Lyles, Keuchel, Myers.